Raising Aspirations through targeted delivery at key stages of transition:
Year 7
Reflecting on their start to high school and making links between their own personal qualities and employer ‘expectations’.
Using ICT personality profiling tools to begin reflecting on their own personal skills, aspirations and making links to future success. Becoming aware of their own personal characteristics via PSHCE and Tutor lead activities and developing employability skills through enrichment day programmes / form group ‘charity’ enterprise activities.
Year 8
Understanding the Education and Careers Pathways Available. Deciding on ‘Enrichment’ Curriculum subjects and making links to future employment.
To be able to make well-informed choices and good decisions about their future, Year 8 further develop their self-awareness and occupational awareness through Careers related PSHCE topics and evaluating a wide range of pathways. They continue to use web-based research e.g. START Profile and enrichment programmes to investigate the range of possible progression routes
Year 9
GGCSE ‘Option’ Choices and Investigating Wider Career Pathways, Industries and Job Roles. Researching more specific job profiles and making links to personal aspirations. Understanding more about Labour Market Information (LMI), job adverts and associated employer expectations
Carrying out further research, PSHCE and enrichment activities to understand the ‘advantages and disadvantages’ of various careers pathways and adapting plans accordingly e.g. careers research into specific job roles using START and iCould web-based resources, employer input and exploring Further and Higher Education routes in more depth via Tutor group activities and specialist talks. To attend the school annual Careers Fair to gain a broader awareness of progression routes. Plus, curriculum careers themed lessons / delivery to help make more informed option choices.
Year 10
Planning and Undertaking Work Experience and Further CIAG Research linked to developing an effective C.V.
To identify careers opportunities and to further develop their employment skills and characteristics that are valued and expected by employers. Taking responsibility for planning their own work experience placements and developing associated recruitment skills. Impartial Careers guidance meetings made available. To attend the school Careers Fair to strengthen awareness.
Year 11
Firming up F.E./H.E./Apprenticeship ‘Pathways’ & Post-16 applications at the end of Key Stage 4
To be fully aware of their Post-16 options and to feel confident in their decision making. All of Year 11 will be supported to make at least one F.E. or Apprenticeship application before the end of the spring term. All students to take part in the Year 11 Recruitment Skills / Interviews Enrichment Day. Plus, targeted intervention and careers guidance meetings as required. To attend the school annual Careers Fair.
Year 12/13
Applying for and Exploring H.E. Options and Apprenticeship Pathways. also setting up and planning towards a work experience placement matched to their career aspirations and to consider a full range of options including H.E and Higher/Degree Apprenticeship routes .
To ensure that all Sixth Form students remain focused and motivated towards achieving their ambitions and realise their true potential; either through successful applications to their chosen universities or higher/degree apprenticeship opportunities through the school’s Employment Readiness Programme. To attend the school annual Careers Fair.
Our Work Related learning programmes are managed and reviewed regularly by an experienced team of senior and middle leaders that report directly to the Head Teacher / Senior Leadership Team. The current structure is as follows:
Mr Stuart Dodds – Deputy Head Teacher (Pastoral)
Mr Steve Mills – Careers and Enterprise Education Manager (smills@sandbachschool.org)
Our careers education is delivered through a planned series of PSHCE lesson times throughout the academic year and also during our ‘Enrichment Day’ programmes.